Taking Steps to Beat the Ticking Identity Theft Clock

Identity theft occurs when a cyber criminal compromises private data, such as your Social Security number, credit card, or even your name without your permission and uses it to commit fraud.

It always begins with a data security breach of some kind but can end in ruin for your credit score, bank account, healthcare, and even more. When your personal information is stolen, the clock begins ticking because it’s only a matter of time before stolen data about you is used by someone pretending to be you. It’s important you immediately take steps to beat the ticking identity theft clock.

Alert the credit authorities

There’s a connection between the high rate of credit fraud in this US and the lack of security that we put up with; US consumers also enjoy a high level of consumer protection. There might not be enough proper preventative protections in place but there are action items you can take to minimize damage once your ID has been compromised.

First, place a fraud alert on your credit report. This entitles you to a free copy of your credit report that you should carefully review for any anomalies or suspicious activity. The fraud alert stays on your report for 90 days and needs to be renewed after 90 days. When you place a fraud alert with one of the three credit monitoring agencies listed below, they will notify the other agencies automatically.

A credit freeze might sound drastic but all it does is prevent a cyber thief from accessing your credit report. There may be a small fee for placing and removing a credit freeze, but it is generally worth it.

Submit an identity theft affidavit

Should you discover any fraudulent actively, it is imperative that you contact the company immediately where the account was opened and close it as soon as possible. The company will require a completed identity theft affidavit similar to this.

Drivers license compromised? Contact DMV

Should you find your driver’s license has been compromised, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles immediately. You can request the DMV to flag your file, so that no one else can try to obtain a license from them in your name.

This is similar to a credit freeze but involves your government issued ID, so you’ll want to be sure identity thieves don’t have access to any level of personal data.

File a police report

While the police don’t usually investigate cyber crimes of this nature, you should still file a police report. Make sure you get a copy of the police report or at least the report number for reference. You will need this if the thief is ever caught or if you wish to proceed with further legal action.

Nobody should be ashamed or embarrassed to report such a crime. To help combat the growing trend of identity theft, it is beneficial to make your voice known and report the theft to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) by either calling 1-877-ID-THEFT or visiting their website.

Remember, if you’re a victim of identity theft, the clock has already begun ticking so taking a few moments to shore up your defenses now is the best thing you can do.

About the Author: Scott Schober (@ScottBVS) has lectured and presented extensively regarding cybersecurity and corporate espionage at numerous conferences around the globe. He has recently overseen the development of several cell phone detection tools used to enforce a “no cell phone policy” in correctional, law enforcement and secured government facilities. He is regularly interviewed for leading national publications and major network television stations, including Fox, Bloomberg, Good Morning America, CNN, CCTV, CNBC and MSNBC. He is the author of “Hacked Again” and writes, “In a modern digital world no one is safe from being hacked, not even a renown cybersecurity expert.”

Editor’s Note:The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor, and do not necessarily reflect those of Tripwire, Inc.